FAQ

A program that helps low-income uninsured and underinsured access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.

The WVBCCSP covers screening and diagnostic services: clinical breast exams, screening mammography's, Pap tests, HPV tests, diagnostic mammography's, colposcopy's, biopsies etc. For more specific information, contact the WVBCCSP at 304.558.5388 or within WV at 1.800.642.8522.

Services provided by the WVBCCSP are free or low-cost for women who qualify.

Contact a screening provider near you by clicking here.

Click Eligibility​ Overview​

Still not sure if you qualify. Call 304.558.5388 or 1.800.642.8522 for more information.

The important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), have regular screening tests, and go back to the doctor if your screening test results are not normal.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts. HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer:

• Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
• Tobacco use.

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There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But there are things you can do that may lower your risk or detect breast cancer at an early stage where treatment is successful and low cost. Screening is the only way that can detect breast cancer at an early stage and increase the chance of survival.

A mammogram is a screening test for breast cancer. The WVBCCSP covers screening mammograms for Program eligible women aged 40-64. Women under 40 may be eligible for mammogram coverage if they have symptoms (breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, etc.) or are considered high-risk​.

Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. The main factors that influence your risk include being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are found in women ​who are 50 years old or older. Some women will get breast cancer even without any other risk factors that they know of. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease, and not all risk factors have the same effect. Most women have some risk factors, but most women do not get breast cancer. If you have breast cancer risk factors, talk with your doctor about ways you can lower your risk and about screening for breast cancer.

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A Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It detects any problems in the cervix that can lead to cancer.

Doctors recommend that women begin having routine Pap tests at age 21 or within three years of the first time they have sexual intercourse– whichever comes first. The program covers Pap tests for women aged 21-64.

Your doctor will tell you how often you should have your Pap test.

You should not receive a bill for these services, but if you do, call our office at 304.558.5388 or 1.800.642.8522 and ask to speak with someone within our Program.

Patients must be re-enrolled annually to determine if they are still eligible for the program.​